Category: Astrological insights

Tense period for the Government and ordinary citizens of Israel. Mars is ruler of 2nd and 7th houses – the economy and known enemies.

Pope Francis dies this morning with Nodes, Venus and Saturn square his Sun and Nodes highlighting his recent health issues.

Equally tense in Zimbabwe. This exact Mars Pluto opposition is on Asc and angular making it more potent. Broken country and people want change. But what level of force will be used to subdue ordinary people?

This is a very tense time here is SA and in the rest of the world. The Moon is conjunct Pluto opposed Mars and square Sun. These planets form a T-square and are all in fixed signs – Aquarius, Leo and Taurus. This tension needs to find a way out. It is currently stuck and locked in conflict. Mars and Pluto come into exact opposition on 27 April 2025. Mars and Pluto were exact on 3 Jan 2025.

The Moon is associated with ordinary people and the Sun connected to leadership. People are fed up and want things to change. There is great fear amongst ordinary people. Pluto is connected with debt/tax/loss. It is also associated with deep trauma and grief. The Moon is slightly out of bounds. There is anger and frustration and people want fundamental change. The Moon is connected to the star Altair and this star encourages ordinary people to explore and be bold. Fear is paralysing and we need to find ways out of irrational fear. Pluto teaches lessons about surrender and letting go especially if things are out of your control. For change to happen the old needs to die for the new to be born. This is all part of natural cycles. Death and rebirth. It is time to heal old emotional trauma.

People are tired of lies and manipulation. It is time for hard, honest straight-talking. We need to get out of victim mindset and find healing and ways to free ourselves. It is time to take responsibility individually and collectively and move out of victim consciousness. Madiba realised that in order to free himself he had to leave his anger and resentment behind otherwise he would remain a prisoner in his own heart. This is the lesson for us all.

Uranus is conjunct Algol. This is a tricky star associated with losing one’s head. Uranus wants revolution and change. It wants a different approach. Uranus is sextile Venus and Saturn in Pisces. Venus is a strong feminine presence associated with love and resources/value. With Saturn close to Venus there are tough decisions to be made. What is our collective responsibility to all living beings on this planet? How do we live in love and harmony with nature and all other living creatures? Sun and Moon rule gold and silver. The Sun is in Taurus – banking and agriculture. What dramatic changes do we observe? When we think of value is this always only financial? How else do we understand worth?

Trump announces global tariffs on 2 April with Mercury retrograde at 27 Pisces, and in detriment and fall. Terrible circumstances for such an important announcement. In close aspect to Nodes, Venus and Saturn. Venus exalted – overly important value attached to this message. But Saturn indicates reality will land. 

Today on 10 April Trump paused the implementation. What is interesting is that Mercury changed direction on 7 April and stationed before moving direct. Mercury is now direct and he has changed his mind. 

Mercury and Jupiter, its Pisces ruler are both in poor condition adding to the problems. This adds to misinformation and challenges positions related to beliefs and facts. What is the truth? 

Neptune close to Mercury adds to the lies and deception. Truth might be hard to find currently.

Pluto and Neptune conjunction is a long cycle lasting 493/4 years. Pluto is a planet associated with power and corruption. It is dark and devious and travels unseen. Pluto is connected to death, decay, bacteria, taxation, debt and default. Neptune is associated with dreams and ideals but is equally associated with deception, smuggling and addiction. This combination describes powerful supernatural forces and is connected with powerful earth and weather events and natural disasters. Plutonium and hydrogen are the elements connected to these planets.

Pluto conjunct Neptune – Gemini – air sign associated with ideas, communication and transport. For the next 3000 years these planets will join in Gemini. The next cycle starts in 2385.

The current cycle started in 1891/92 with Pluto and Neptune conjunct at 6 /7 degrees of Gemini. Let’s see what transpired at that time.

Social change

• focus on worker’s rights and labour unions
• the movements associated with women’s rights were organising
• push for universal education expanding opportunities for working class children to be educated

Technology and innovation

• Tesla and Westinghouse were focused on electricity – power and light – using the AC (alternating current) versus Edison’s DC (direct current). AC would end up powering all the homes and cities.
• Tesla was also focussed on wireless power transmission. This had a big impact in radio and electrical engineering.
• Telephones were becoming more important in long distance communication. The first telephone exchange was installed in Indiana eliminating the need for human operators.
• Cities began to experiment with public transport. Electric streetcars and subways were introduced into public transport systems.

Health

• Germ theory was more widely accepted leading to a better understanding of health and hygiene factors leading to a focus on public health.
• X-rays and radioactivity were in the early stages of development.

Taxation

• The US had no income tax at the time. That was only introduced in 1894 . The main source of revenue of that time was tariffs and excise duties.
• France relied on indirect taxes like consumption taxes and stamp duties. Income tax would only be introduced in 1914.
• Germany also had indirect taxes, trade tariffs and employee social insurance contributions.
• The UK had income tax which was seen as a progressive tax as higher earners paid more. Revenue also came from customs and excise taxes, property taxes and death duties.

It is interesting to witness Trump upend the world with tariffs at this time. The US experienced it’s Pluto Return in 2022 since the founding chart of 4 July 1776. Pluto in 2^nd house was all about the economy, debt and taxation. What needed to fundamentally change in the US economy and the taxation system?

2025 has been a very powerful year of change with all 3 outer planets changing signs and Saturn and Neptune moving to conjunction on 20 Feb 2026. Pluto moved in Aquarius at the end of 2024. The last time Pluto was in Aquarius was the American War of Independence and the French Revolution.  This year Neptune moves into Aries and Uranus into Gemini. Neptune was last in Aries with the abolishment of slavery in the US and Uranus was last in Gemini in WW2.

Saturn and Neptune last joined in 1989 when the Berlin Wall fell and communism collapsed in the Soviet Union. The world map changed. That time is coming again with all the added layers of pressure for social change. What is really significant is that Saturn and Neptune will join at 0 Aries – the start point of the zodiac. This is a big deal for humanity.

Another important cycle is the Pluto Uranus conjunction. This cycle lasts about 127 years. These planets were last conjunct in 1965/66. Once again this is a powerful signature for social change and innovation. Uranus is the disruptor and the innovator. Uranus likes to create chaos and uncertainty and force a new path forward. Pluto demands we let go of old patterns and paths that no longer serve the greater good.

• Pluto conjunct Uranus – Oct 1965 to June 1966 – Peace, Love, War – Vietnam – times of immense protests across the world. The Six-Day war in June 1967 between Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria fundamentally changed the Middle East. Israel tripled its territory taking East Jerusalem, Gaza, West Bank, Sinai Peninsula and Golan Heights. This led to the massive displacement of Palestinians and set up ongoing conflicts for decades. 
• Women’s rights. Gay and lesbian rights. Breaking barriers. The Moon landing in 1969 – shifting our understanding of the universe. Fundamental changes to the world. No turning back. Power and control and the energy of revolution.

• Pluto square Uranus – June 2012 to March 2015 – Great Recession – what needs to change economically? Think debt and taxation. At this time Uranus was in Taurus – banking and currency. We have seen huge developments in Cryptocurrency during this period but there are still problems and this money remains largely untaxed as it avoids financial regulation. But that is changing.  

• Pluto trine Uranus – Jul 2026 to May 2028 – massive strides for humanity – surrendering to past and opening to new opportunities. What changes will happen in society at this time? This aspect is more favourable but most change happens with tricky aspects (conjunction, square and opposition). The old saying don’t let a good crisis go to waste will be apt at this time. We shouldn’t squander this period of opportunity. Pluto in Aquarius wants structural changes to society were we all participate and benefit. Uranus in Gemini is all about innovation in communication and transportation. Think AI,  travel to Mars and discoveries connected to the universe and other galaxies.

This Pluto Uranus trine will connect with the Saturn Neptune conjunction in 2025 and into 2026/2027. This is an incredible opportunity for change. Neptune and Saturn will form a sextile to both Pluto and Uranus.

• Neptune sextile Pluto – Jul 2026 to Feb 2032 – dreams and sacrifices and fundamental transformation.

• Neptune sextile Uranus  – Aug 2025 to June 2027 – dreams and sacrifices and exciting new technological innovations.

With Neptune and Saturn moving into Aries we have to bring things back to ourselves.

• What are our individual responsibilities and what are the consequences of our individual actions? Saturn in Aries.
• What sacrifices do we need to make as individuals for the collective good? Neptune in Aries.

It is time to take responsibility individually and collectively and move out of victim consciousness. Madiba realised that in order to free himself he had to leave his anger and resentment behind otherwise he would remain a prisoner in his own heart. This is the lesson for us all.

Table of Pluto Neptune conjunction in Gemini

• 1398/99 – 2/3 Gemini
• 1891/92 – 6/7 Gemini – this is when the current cycle started.
• 2385 – 12 Gemini
• 2878 – 15 Gemini
• 3371 – 19 Gemini
• 3863/64 – 22 Gemini
• 4355/56 – 24/25 Gemini
• 4847/48 – 26/27 Gemini
• 5339/5340 – 29 Gemini

Yes – it is a glorious day! Amidst much global uncertainty. Here and abroad.

Things are very tense at the moment – everywhere. We still have Mercury retrograde and this planet will change direction on 7 April so that is good. But Mercury is back in Pisces – the sign of its detriment. What new information emerges at this time? How do we need to recalibrate our beliefs around certain matters that we viewed as facts? On 16 April Mercury will leave Pisces and move into Aries. But at this stage Mercury will be conjunct Neptune – making clear communication tricky. Neptune is the deceiver. Think victim. Neptune wants us to find compassion and healing but can easily deceive and manipulate. You are going to have to navigate this period of uncertainty where clear cut communication could easily be twisted and manipulated.

Venus is currently retrograde – making issues to do with resources and love difficult. Venus travels direct on 13 April. This is good. Venus is in Pisces close to Neptune too but Venus is exalted in Pisces – it wants everyone to feel loved and valued. But is this realistic? Are these dreams and ideals attainable? What sacrifices will need to be made for this ideal to be achieved where everyone feels valued and loved? On 1 May Venus moves into Aries – the sign of its detriment. It is a battle to assert one’s worth and value.

On 13 April Mars is trine both Mercury and Venus. This is a fallen Mars in the last degrees of Cancer and it wants to defend those that it cares about but it can equally be retaliatory. On the 18 April Mars moves into Leo – a fixed fire sign. Mars moves into an opposition with Pluto from 20 April to 4 May. Things get tense. There is a standoff. There is a real battle going down – it’s a fight for survival. On 20 April the Moon is also opposed Mars in its detriment. These are tense times emotionally. On the 4 May Moon connects with Mars opposing Pluto describing that what your heart desires you will need to act upon in this battle.

On 25 May Saturn moves into Aries the sign of its detriment. There are consequences to one’s actions. Saturn is conjunct Neptune, and this is a messy time of working out an individual’s responsibilities and what one needs to sacrifice.

Interesting few days.

Mercury into Aries. Still retrograde and combust the Sun. Impulsive. Get the right information.

Eclipse

Venus exalted in Pisces but still retrograde. Mercury retrograde and in detriment in Pisces. Needing to go over facts again. Both planets conjunct Neptune. Can’t see clearly. Smoke and mirrors. Too good to be true? What is the catch?

Neptune ingress into Aries. Start of another massive cycle shift. What are we prepared to sacrifice for the greater good? Self sabotage?

Partial Solar Eclipse on 29 Mar 2025: Path Map & Times

Sun/Moon 9 Aries on MC set for Cape Town.

The focus of this chart is your career/goals and direction in life. Mars is the ruler of this eclipse in Cancer in fall. This is a retaliatory Mars – protective. Mars is this chart is the almuten of pregnancy and children. It is also the ruler of the 5th house – children and sporting/creative achievements. Are you struggling to fall pregnant?

What is your focus at this time? Mars is trine Saturn/Venus – family/home and joint resources. What legal and or contractual matters do you need to sort out? With Venus and Mercury retrograde what needs to be reconsidered? Schools/siblings/community/commute? And matters connected to home/family – what is important to you?

Pluto in 8th house focuses on debt/taxation matters jointly. What changes unexpectedly from a financial perspective for you personally? Could be a bonus or a crisis? Is your partner content?

William Lilly associated eclipses in 1^st 10 degrees of Aries with wars, rumours of war and the movement of armies. Indicates tumultuous times and controversies. Period of dryness.

The partial solar eclipse is part of Saros Series 9 New North. This series of eclipses is associated with accidents, violence and a period of great physical effort. If you are undertaking some physical activity, keep an eye on your safety.

Pluto conjunct Neptune is a long cycle lasting 493/4 years. This is a supernatural cycle. Rare and fundamental changes in the direction of societies across the world. 

Pluto is associated with war, death, loss, destruction, bacteria, viruses, rodents, pollution and sewage. It is also associated with debt, taxation, default. It is connected to power and dictators as well as crime and corruption. It is also associated with the insurance industry. It is connected to plutonium. 

Neptune is associated with dreams and ideals but can equally be associated with delusions, deception and addiction. Neptune is connected to hydrogen, morphine, pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical drugs as well as opium and poisons. It is associated with oil and the oceans. It is connected to spirituality and space. Neptune has no boundaries. It is fluid and open. 

Back in history these planets connected in Taurus, an earth sign associated with land, status and wealth and agriculture. 

• 0411 and 0412 – 22 Taurus
• 0905 – 28 Taurus 

In the late middle ages these planets, Pluto and Neptune joined in Gemini an air sign. These planets were conjunct between 1398 and 1399 at 2/3 degrees Gemini. You will notice that for the next 3500 years they will meet in Gemini – the air sign of connection/trade and ideas. Gemini is a dual sign and mutable. It’s ruler is Mercury the trickster. This is a very moveable sign, moving this way and that way as ideas are formed and changed. We should expect much movement going forward. 

• 1398/99 – 2/3 Gemini  
• 1891/92 – 6/7 Gemini – this is the cycle that we are currently in. 

• 2385 – 12 Gemini 
• 2878 – 15 Gemini 
• 3371 – 19 Gemini
• 3863/64 – 22 Gemini 
• 4355/56 – 24/25 Gemini 
• 4847/48 – 26/27 Gemini 
• 5339/5340 – 29 Gemini 

What is interesting is that Pluto has recently moved into Aquarius in November 2024 – another air sign. And Uranus will soon move into Gemini in July 2025 – another air sign.

Neptune will move into Aries at the end of March 2025. Saturn will also move into Aries in May 2025. Aries is a cardinal, fire sign. It is the start of the zodiac, and is initiating and impulsive.

The elements fire and air are complementary elements. Air feeds fire. These could be explosive times. 

The current Neptune Pluto cycle started at the conjunction in 1891/1892 when it was exact. These planets will form a sextile and be exact 13 times between Jul 2026 and Feb 2032. What needs to be revealed during this period? New discoveries and letting go of ideals that are no longer relevant in a changing world.